Red Brick Building Glastonbury

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It will integrate three strands of activity that have been identified in community consultation and feasibility studies, which will be complementary and mutually supportive. These three strands are social and micro enterprise support, arts and community activity, and training in and demonstration of sustainable construction and refurbishment.  

 The first strand, social and micro enterprise workspace and support, is in recognition of a gap in provision. The mid Somerset economy is characterised by a mix of micro-enterprises (up to 5 employees) and self-employment. Much of this enterprise activity falls beneath the economic radar by being unregistered for VAT. It tends to be disregarded in economic and regeneration strategies, despite the significant contribution it makes to employment, livelihood and community wellbeing. The significant enterprise needs and opportunities of this sector can be met through resources to be offered by the Red Brick Building Centre.

 The second strand, arts and community activity, again responds to a gap in provision. Somerset has a large and thriving arts and crafts community and hosts Somerset Arts Week every two years. Local artists and crafts people will be able to rent affordable studios and workshops and share resources that will promote their skills and support their business endeavours. Their work will be made more accessible to the public through exhibition and practice spaces. Offices and shared resources will also be on offer to the diverse and large group of community and social organisations in Glastonbury and Street.

 The third strand of the Red Brick Building Centre will be a centre of excellence for sustainable refurbishment and construction. We will have temporary and permanent demonstration spaces on sustainable construction to support a set of courses and events. Individuals and regional businesses will have opportunities to learn about sustainable refurbishment. The age and construction of the Red Brick Building make it a very good test bed and demonstrator of low carbon refurbishment.